North Posey football coach Gengelbach retiring at end of school year

He guided the Vikings for 42 seasons, including 2A state runner-up finish in 2005

When Joe Gengelbach came to North Posey High School, he never dreamed he would stay for 44 years.

"I never thought of that. It's just unheard of," said Gengelbach, who was the Vikings' head football coach for the past 42 years, posting a 256-193-1 record. "In coaching there is a time you have to move on, whether you want to or not. Sometimes you have to move. I'm glad I didn't have to ever make that decision. It's been a wonderful fit."

Gengelbach announced his retirement on Tuesday, effective at the end of this school year.

"I just thought it was time," said Gengelbach, who guided the Vikings to the Class 2A state championship game in 2005. "I've been very fortunate to have been at this great place for 44 years (overall). This is time. I still feel good and have the opportunity to some things with family and my wife, who was maybe put on hold a little bit. There was no major reason other than that I felt this was a good time to close out a career. Our administration and the kids and the community have just been unbelievable."

Gengelbach, 65, is a Tell City High School product. He played four years for the University of Evansville, graduating in 1969. He led North Posey to six Pocket Athletic Conference championships, plus four sectional and regional titles and the semistate championship in '05. In addition to 2011, Gengelbach also had an undefeated regular season in 1996. He was inducted into the Indiana State Football Hall of Fame in March 2000 and has coached 43 all-state players. Gengelbach also served as North Posey athletic director from 1980 to 1994.

He felt fortunate to have four assistants with him a long time. Paul Rynkiewich served under Gengelbach for 31 years and Mike Kuhn 30. Kevin Gengelbach, Joe's nephew, and Patrick Rose, have been his assistants for 17 seasons. Although Gengelbach won't have any input in appointing his successor, he said one of those assistants deserve a shot, if that is what they want.